Mindfulness and Implementation Planning: Promoting Self-Reported and Behavioral Forgiveness

Abstract

The current research examined mindfulness and implementation planning as practices that promote interpersonal forgiveness. A unique contribution of this work includes the investigation of motives and techniques that might promote both self-reported and behavioral forgiveness. Young adults (N = 80; M = 19.2 years) completed a task in which a standardized, interpersonal transgression occurred without the participants’ knowledge. Results indicate that individuals who received training in either a mindfulness practice (i.e., mindful breathing) or implementation planning practice (i.e., developing “if-then” plan statements) reported better overall mood following the standardized transgression. Interestingly, mindful breathing appeared to be the most beneficial practice to enhance positive attitudes toward the forgiveness process and promote self-reported and behavioral forgiveness. Findings are consistent with prior research investigating the effectiveness of mindful breathing and implementation planning following an actual interpersonal transgression. Implications as well as future research directions within the context of forgiveness and relationships are discussed.